Sensitization to Common Food Allergens in Makkah City

Abstract

Sensitization to food allergens at Makkah city is not documented. In this study, a retrospective evaluation of a specific IgE (sIgE) test results to common food allergens of 80 patients with suspected food allergy (FA) was conducted. Of these, 51 (63.75%) were female, 29 (36.25%) male, 48 (60.6 %) adult and 31 (39.4 %) pediatric patients. Their ages ranged between 1 month of age and 75 years (mean 27 years and median 30 years). Their common diagnoses were 52 (65 %) atopic dermatitis, 24 (30%) urticaria/angioedema and 4 (5 %) bronchial asthma. Atopic history in the first and second-degree relatives was positive in 35 (43.75 %). The top five food allergens were cocoa 22 (27.5 %), peanuts 14 (17.5%), egg white 12 (15%), milk 10 (12.5%) and strawberry 9 (11.3%). In conclusion, sensitization to common food allergens in Makkah was compatible with worldwide literature except for cocoa and strawberries, which are an unexpected finding that needs further evaluation